energy is being produced to power our lives. while energy development comes with some risk, north america's natural gas producers are committed to safely and responsibly providing generations of cleaner-burning energy for our country, drilling thousands of feet below fresh water sources within self-contained well systems. and, using state-of-the-art monitoring technologies, rigorous practices help ensure our operations are safe and clean for our communities and the environment. we're america's natural gas. >>> our second story outfront, 50 days until we fall off the fiscal cliff, unless washington acts. both parties claim to be optimistic about a deal to avert the end of the year combination of an end of the year increase in tax rates and slash in spending. how exactly, now, we know there are a lot of meetings scheduled. tomorrow, with the labor community. wednesday, the business community and friday, there's a meeting with harry reid, mitch mcconnell, house speaker john boehner and minority leader nancy pelosi. so, will we get